Alessandro Mori is the Sangiovese whisperer: l'uomo che sussurrava il Sangiovese. I need to say it in Italian, too, because it sounds so beautiful. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie is a phenomenal wine...
Alessandro Mori is the Sangiovese whisperer: l'uomo che sussurrava il Sangiovese. I need to say it in Italian, too, because it sounds so beautiful. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie is a phenomenal wine that speaks so highly of the potential of the mighty Tuscan grape, Sangiovese. This wine mirrors all the greatest attributes of the 100-point 2010 edition. Most significantly, it delivers profound purity and a most authentic varietal voice that sings both the high notes and the bass-baritone. First you have the wine's dark ruby appearance that is brilliant and vibrant but beautifully concentrated. Then you have the multilayered bouquet that skillfully presents ethereal notes of wild berry and grilled herb on first nose. Those lighter tones lift gracefully to reveal substantial aromas of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and white truffle that form the wine's lasting aromatic core. The mouthfeel is feather light in texture, but don't underestimate its power or persistence. This is a true gem of Italian enology and sadly only 6,200 bottles were made. - Monica Larner

WE
99

Wine Enthusiast - Wine Enthusiast, April 2017

Cellar Selection. Perfumed berry, rose, new leather and dark spice are some of the enticing scents you'll find in this vibrant wine. It's still tightly wound but already dazzles with juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry...
Cellar Selection. Perfumed berry, rose, new leather and dark spice are some of the enticing scents you'll find in this vibrant wine. It's still tightly wound but already dazzles with juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and pipe tobacco flavors. Youthfully austere but noble tannins and bright acidity provide balance and serious aging potential. Don't be tempted to open it soon—the best is yet to come. Drink 2022–2042.

WS
94

Wine Spectator - Wine Spectator, February 2017

Very pure and elegant, offering pretty cherry, blackberry, violet
and tobacco flavors. Firmly structured and balanced, with a long,
tobacco-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033. — B.S.

VN
94

Vinous - Antonio Galloni's Vinous, March 2017

94+ Bright ruby. Deep red cherry and berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with an austere quality to the subtle red and dark berry flavors. Finishes long and mineral...
94+ Bright ruby. Deep red cherry and berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with an austere quality to the subtle red and dark berry flavors. Finishes long and mineral, with slow-mounting, noble tannins and impressive clarity. Outstanding Brunello that needs to be cellared at length.
-- Ian D'Agata

Color & Type

Red

Varietal

Sangiovese Grosso

Country

Italy

Region

Tuscany

Sub-region

Brunello di Montalcino

Vintage

2012

Percent alcohol

14.5%

Closure

Cork

Winery

Il Marroneto

Il Marroneto is regarded as one of ten historic companies of Montalcino. Purchased in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori, a lawyer and father of the current owner of the company, Alessandro Mori, he decided to make Brunello, “a little for fun and a bit for passion”. Together with his two sons, they began their wine adventure using two small rooms in one of the estate’s historic buildings dating to 1246, previously used for drying chestnuts.

The vineyards of Il Marroneto extend on the north slope of the hill, about 350m high, in the immediate vicinity of the walls of the town of Montalcino. The first 3,000 meters of vineyard were planted in 1975, the rest in 1979 and finally 9,000 meters were planted in 1984.

Vineyard management is based on a traditional and minimalist philosophy, treating the vines as little as possible, avoiding excessive production, and following the practice of using natural grasses between vine rows. Great attention has been paid to the vineyard’s ecosystem, allowing the Sangiovese to have space to develop excellent roots. The result is a very elegant wine, rich in aromas, classic, and worthy of contemplation.

Alessandro Mori is the Sangiovese whisperer: l'uomo che sussurrava il Sangiovese. I need to say it in Italian, too, because it sounds so beautiful. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie is a phenomenal wine...
Alessandro Mori is the Sangiovese whisperer: l'uomo che sussurrava il Sangiovese. I need to say it in Italian, too, because it sounds so beautiful. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie is a phenomenal wine that speaks so highly of the potential of the mighty Tuscan grape, Sangiovese. This wine mirrors all the greatest attributes of the 100-point 2010 edition. Most significantly, it delivers profound purity and a most authentic varietal voice that sings both the high notes and the bass-baritone. First you have the wine's dark ruby appearance that is brilliant and vibrant but beautifully concentrated. Then you have the multilayered bouquet that skillfully presents ethereal notes of wild berry and grilled herb on first nose. Those lighter tones lift gracefully to reveal substantial aromas of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and white truffle that form the wine's lasting aromatic core. The mouthfeel is feather light in texture, but don't underestimate its power or persistence. This is a true gem of Italian enology and sadly only 6,200 bottles were made. - Monica Larner

WE
99

Wine Enthusiast - Wine Enthusiast, April 2017

Cellar Selection. Perfumed berry, rose, new leather and dark spice are some of the enticing scents you'll find in this vibrant wine. It's still tightly wound but already dazzles with juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry...
Cellar Selection. Perfumed berry, rose, new leather and dark spice are some of the enticing scents you'll find in this vibrant wine. It's still tightly wound but already dazzles with juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and pipe tobacco flavors. Youthfully austere but noble tannins and bright acidity provide balance and serious aging potential. Don't be tempted to open it soon—the best is yet to come. Drink 2022–2042.

WS
94

Wine Spectator - Wine Spectator, February 2017

Very pure and elegant, offering pretty cherry, blackberry, violet
and tobacco flavors. Firmly structured and balanced, with a long,
tobacco-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2033. — B.S.

VN
94

Vinous - Antonio Galloni's Vinous, March 2017

94+ Bright ruby. Deep red cherry and berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with an austere quality to the subtle red and dark berry flavors. Finishes long and mineral...
94+ Bright ruby. Deep red cherry and berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with an austere quality to the subtle red and dark berry flavors. Finishes long and mineral, with slow-mounting, noble tannins and impressive clarity. Outstanding Brunello that needs to be cellared at length.
-- Ian D'Agata

Winery

Il Marroneto

Il Marroneto is regarded as one of ten historic companies of Montalcino. Purchased in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori, a lawyer and father of the current owner of the company, Alessandro Mori, he decided to make Brunello, “a little for fun and a bit for passion”. Together with his two sons, they began their wine adventure using two small rooms in one of the estate’s historic buildings dating to 1246, previously used for drying chestnuts.

The vineyards of Il Marroneto extend on the north slope of the hill, about 350m high, in the immediate vicinity of the walls of the town of Montalcino. The first 3,000 meters of vineyard were planted in 1975, the rest in 1979 and finally 9,000 meters were planted in 1984.

Vineyard management is based on a traditional and minimalist philosophy, treating the vines as little as possible, avoiding excessive production, and following the practice of using natural grasses between vine rows. Great attention has been paid to the vineyard’s ecosystem, allowing the Sangiovese to have space to develop excellent roots. The result is a very elegant wine, rich in aromas, classic, and worthy of contemplation.

JJ Buckley Fine Wines

A pioneer in the early days of online wine retail, JJ Buckley Fine Wines remains an established leader in the world of web-based wine merchants. From our 43,000 square foot retail operation in Oakland, California, we offer premium and collectable wines, along with professional wine storage services, to discerning customers across the United States and around the world. We believe outstanding value, stellar selection, personal service, and professional knowledge are the cornerstones that have built our loyal following and reputation for excellence. JJ Buckley takes great pride in offering our customers honest, impartial, and expert wine advice. Our team of Wine Specialists is at your disposal, ready with personalized recommendations to suit your palate or occasion.